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Re: 2012-2013 NBA Season

I still can't believe the Lakers suck. I remember when they picked up Howard and Nash, several people were pissed and said they might as well not even play the games this year. I argued that Miami could still compete to the point where it wasn't guaranteed for LAL to win it all. lol Funny how it turns out.

Re: 2012-2013 NBA Season

And in terms of quality of play and its entertainment value, the NBA is enjoying its best run in nearly 20 years.

Take a closer look. You'll find that some of the longstanding arguments against the NBA are outdated.

The game isn't as slow and boring and devoid of various styles of play anymore. The defending champion Miami Heat plays small ball and excels in transition. Even the San Antonio Spurs — the plodding ol' Spurs — score 104.2 points per game. There are big and bruising teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz, and there are teams defying gravity such as the Los Angeles Clippers. The game is more wide open than it used to be, and there's no single prototype that everyone copies.

It's still a superstar-driven league, but better overall teams are being built. The franchise players continue to run the NBA, and they've been teaming up to form super teams, but interestingly, the league is far more competitive than the days when Shaq and Kobe reigned. For all the Heat did to put LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh together, they're not miles ahead of the rest of the league like many thought they would be. And there are several teams, the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets included, without a true superstar that are winning with depth.

The biggest change? This crop of stars is far more likable and trustworthy. Don't throw out the breathless and lazy thug label with these guys. James, the league's best player, is a responsible torchbearer who has never been in trouble and who tried in vain to play the villain role after he left Cleveland for Miami. He gave up, returned to being a fun-loving guy, and he's playing the best basketball of his career. Kobe Bryant has rebuilt his image. Kevin Durant is a basketball savant. Wade is a great league spokesman. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving — they're all easy to root for. Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan — like Bryant, they're all future Hall of Famers still chasing one more championship.

"I have just been more than a little suspect of all the trades since the Willy (Scott Williamson) cash grab. That one left such a bad taste in my mouth that even a 1985 Dom Pérignon couldn't cleanse it." -- Creek14

That's quite a collection of young forwards with high ceilings. Letting Scola go looks better by the day.

"I have just been more than a little suspect of all the trades since the Willy (Scott Williamson) cash grab. That one left such a bad taste in my mouth that even a 1985 Dom Pérignon couldn't cleanse it." -- Creek14

Re: 2012-2013 NBA Season

Not sure I'd be touting White.

Originally Posted by Scrap Irony

Calipari is not, nor has he ever been accused or "caught", cheating. He himself turned in one of his players (Camby) for dealing with an agent to get one Final Four overturned. The other is all on the NCAA and Rose. (IF Rose cheated.)

"Cheering for Kentucky is like watching Star Wars and hoping Darth Vader chokes an ewok"

Re: 2012-2013 NBA Season

Originally Posted by WMR

Not sure I'd be touting White.

Yeah, it's 50/50 that he ever plays in the NBA with his fear of flying issue. But there is no denying that he has tremendous potential.

"I have just been more than a little suspect of all the trades since the Willy (Scott Williamson) cash grab. That one left such a bad taste in my mouth that even a 1985 Dom Pérignon couldn't cleanse it." -- Creek14

Re: 2012-2013 NBA Season

The Luxury tax threshold coupled with positioning for this Summer's free agent market limited deals this year, for sure.

Now that the Celtics have traded for Jordan, they have to be considered the favorites to win it all.

All kidding aside, I cannot believe that J.C was essentially given away. He certainly should have fetched more than an expiring contract and a big man who is of limited use to a contender, much less a team bound for the lottery...again.

One under the radar deal that could pay dividends: Ronnie Brewer to OKC, as Brewer allows OKC to match up better with teams like Miami when they go small.

Also, the Magic received more for J.J Redick than I thought they would. But, IMHO, the Bucks are still most likely a first round casualty, but We'll see.

"I have just been more than a little suspect of all the trades since the Willy (Scott Williamson) cash grab. That one left such a bad taste in my mouth that even a 1985 Dom Pérignon couldn't cleanse it." -- Creek14

Re: 2012-2013 NBA Season

Another reason for so much inactivity: Pittman to the Grizzlies shifted the balance of power to the point where other GMs figured that it was a lost cause to deal.

"I have just been more than a little suspect of all the trades since the Willy (Scott Williamson) cash grab. That one left such a bad taste in my mouth that even a 1985 Dom Pérignon couldn't cleanse it." -- Creek14

Re: 2012-2013 NBA Season

Originally Posted by Razor Shines

Apparently the Pacers are the best team ever. They laid two absolute beatings in a row.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Keep it up, boys.

"I have just been more than a little suspect of all the trades since the Willy (Scott Williamson) cash grab. That one left such a bad taste in my mouth that even a 1985 Dom Pérignon couldn't cleanse it." -- Creek14

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